Apple continues to revolutionize the tech world with its innovative software updates. The recently released iOS 17.4 update is nothing short of groundbreaking. It comes with a host of new features and enhancements that significantly improve the user experience. However, it’s noteworthy that many of these changes are exclusively for users in the European Union (EU).
Alternative App Stores and New App Store Terms (EU only)
One of the most exciting features of iOS 17.4 is the support for third-party app stores. Apple has rolled out a new business structure for developers who want to distribute their apps through alternative platforms. Developers can opt in to the new system, which allows them to pay a standard 0.50 euros per user per year with the first million installs offered for free. This change paves the way for a more open and competitive app marketplace within the EU.
Alternative Payment Options (EU only)
Another groundbreaking change in the iOS 17.4 update is the support for alternative payment options within apps. Developers can now opt to use their own payment systems instead of Apple’s in-app purchases. This flexibility allows for a more seamless and convenient user experience, especially for those who prefer using non-Apple payment methods.
Third-Party Browser Updates (EU only)
With iOS 17.4, Apple has given users in the EU the freedom to choose their default browser. This means users are no longer restricted to using Safari as their default browser. Moreover, alternative browser engines are now allowed, breaking the monopoly of Apple’s WebKit engine.
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NFC Access (European Economic Area)
Apple has also expanded access to the NFC chip in the iPhone. Third-party payment apps and banks can now offer contactless payments directly on the iPhone without using Apple Pay or the Wallet app. This feature is available in the European Economic Area (EEA), providing users with more payment options.
Web Apps (EU only)
Apple initially restricted the functionality of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in the EU in iOS 17.4. However, following a negative response from EU users and developers, Apple decided to walk back on this decision. This means European users can now enjoy a full-fledged PWA experience on their iPhones.
New Emoji Characters
The iOS 17.4 update introduces several new emoji characters. These include a lime, an edible brown mushroom, a phoenix, a broken chain, and shaking head vertically and horizontally. This update, part of the Unicode 15.1 update, adds a fun and expressive element to your conversations.
Messaging with Siri
Apple has revamped Siri to read incoming messages in various languages, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and more. This feature enhances Siri’s utility in multilingual environments and makes it more accessible to a global audience.
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Podcasts and Music Updates
In iOS 17.4, the “Listen Now” tabs in the Apple Music and Podcasts apps have been renamed to “Home.” This minor change aims to create a more intuitive and user-friendly interface for these apps.
Podcast Transcripts
In a bid to enhance the podcast listening experience, Apple has introduced transcripts for podcasts. Users can now read along with their favorite podcasts as the text is highlighted in sync with the audio.
Music Recognition
With the latest update, songs identified using music recognition can be added to Apple Music Playlists, the Apple Music Library, and Apple Music Classical. This feature makes it easier for users to keep track of their music discoveries.
iPhone 15 Battery Health
One of the more significant changes in iOS 17.4 is the revamped Battery interface for iPhone 15 models. Users can now see the battery health of their iPhone 15 with a simple “Normal” readout. Tapping into this readout shows the battery cycle count, manufacture date, and first use.
Stolen Device Protection
Apple has introduced an option for increased security in the Stolen Device Protection section of the Settings app. Users can now require a security delay always or only when away from familiar locations.
Stopwatch Live Activity
iOS 17.4 adds a Live Activity function for the Stopwatch feature on the iPhone. When activated through the Clock app, the Stopwatch now shows up in the Dynamic Island and on the Lock Screen.
Call Identification
In iOS 17.4, Call Identification displays Apple-verified business names, logos, and department names when available. This feature helps users identify incoming calls from businesses more accurately.
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Apple TV App
The “How to Watch” section in the Apple TV app now uses a list interface rather than a card interface, providing a more compact and organized view of available viewing options.
App Store
The App Store’s Purchase feature now shows account-wide purchase history for an Apple ID, including TV and movie purchases, music purchases, subscriptions, and app purchases.
Clock Widget
There’s a new City Digital Clock widget that can be added to the Home Screen or Lock Screen, offering users an additional way to keep track of time.
Apple Cash Virtual Card Numbers
Apple Cash users can now generate a virtual card number to make purchases when Apple Pay is not an option. This feature gives users more flexibility in making online transactions.
Bug Fixes
iOS 17.4 also addresses several bugs, including an issue that could cause contact images in Find My to be blank and a Dual SIM problem that could cause the number used in a group message to switch from primary to secondary.
Security Updates
iOS 17.4 comes with several security updates, including patches for two vulnerabilities that may have been actively exploited. These patches improve the security of the iPhone and protect users from potential threats.
Apple’s iOS 17.4 update is a game-changer, especially for users in the EU. The introduction of support for third-party app stores, alternative payment options, and third-party browser updates represents a significant shift in Apple’s restrictive policies.
Moreover, the new emojis, enhancements to Siri, and improvements to the Podcasts and Music apps add to the user experience. However, it’s important to remember that many of these features are exclusive to users in the EU. Nevertheless, iOS 17.4 is a significant step forward in Apple’s journey to provide a more open and user-friendly ecosystem.
